Cole's POV:
For the past week, I have been hanging out with Elina. I wanted to see how well we can spend the time together. One day, we do something she likes. The next day, we do something I like. Things didn't end well. As I expected, only one of us was enjoying it. I want to say that my best friend is wrong, but I have nothing against him. At least he is not in the same situation as me. His future girlfriend might be better than mine. I'm not saying that mine is terrible. Let's say that we don't seem made for each other. The thing is that I don't want to break up with her. She might get mad at me. At least another girl is not involved. Otherwise, I'm sure she will go after her. For some reason, Elina doesn't like it when I talk with other girls. I don't see a crime in this. After all, I'm not asking them on a date. It's a simple conversation. I don't think she can understand that. Maybe I should stay away from them so she won't be mad. That is the last thing I want to happen. It's enough that we are not an ordinary couple. That's why we don't do much. The last time I kissed her was two or three months ago. It was at one party. Technically, she did it. The girl was drunk. She only brings me around to show everyone she has a boyfriend. This is how it feels like. I don't think she cares about me that much. I don't know what to do. Her parents will probably understand if I explain to them. They are nice. The problem is Elina. She doesn't like it when someone says no to her or rejects her. I hope that I won't make a mistake.
Summer is passing by every day. The good news is that Ben is at the university too. Otherwise, I will get bored. He is the only friend I have. I have talked with other people as well. The thing is that I don't feel them that close. I need to speak to more people. That way, my friend's circle will be a bit bigger. Honestly, I prefer small groups. They are quiet and don't gossip that much. Well, it depends on the people there. Some of them like to talk about everything.
Currently, I am in my dorm. I took a shower half an hour ago. It's hot outside, so I better go out later. When I woke up, Ben was already gone. He probably went out with someone. It's not like I need to know where he is. That is personal. If he wants, he will share it with me. Elina might want to go out with me. Honestly, I don't want to do it. The thing is that she can be very convincing. I was on my phone when the door opened. Ben came in with a bag.
- Catch.
- Thanks. What is this?
- Food.
- I didn't order anything.
- I know. You can take it as a gift.
- Something has happened. Spill the tea. Who have you met?
- It was one girl. Her name was Annie. She was cute.
- Hey, I talked with a girl with the same name.
- That is the funny part. I told her about you.
- Why?
- It's the same girl, my friend.
- No way. Really?
- Yes. Since you are taken, I decided to shoot my shot.
- And?
- We are going to a movie tonight. You are invited too. That was her idea.
- Thanks, but I don't want to go out today.
- Then what will you do all day inside?
- I don't know. I will find something.
- Come on. You have to do something.
- I'll think of something.
- Now, to the main topic. When will you break up with Elina?
- What? You will break up with me! - Elina said
- No, no. I won't do that. I didn't hear you coming in.
- Then why did he say it?
- Because you deserve him to do it. You are horrible and don't care about him. - Ben said
- That is between him and me. I think you need to shut up.
- Hey, he is my best friend. You can't tell him that.
- I think it's time for you to choose.
- To choose what?
- Him or me? He has been telling you to break up with me for a long time.
- What?
- I have heard him.
- Are you spying on me? You can't do that.
- I never said I did it.
- Then how do you know that? It's not true.
- Lies. I have eyes and ears.
- I'm not breaking up with you. Will you leave us now?
- No, I want us to go out.
- But it's hot. I want to stay here.
- We are going out!
- No! Go wherever you want.
- Fine. Please, don't make me do things that you will regret later.
- What?
- Bye. - she said and left
- Is the invitation still available? - I asked Ben
- Yes, it is.
- I might use it. Don't worry. I will be in a different row.
- I don't mind you.
- Thanks.
Ben and I talked for a while. We decided to order food for lunch. It's too hot for me to go outside. Also, we'll go in the evening. I don't want to be a third wheel, but I can't stay near Elina. I think a break is needed. I don't mind her, but lately, she has been impossible. The food came for forty minutes. It was delicious. Ben brought me some in the morning, but I might eat it later.
- What do you plan to do with her? Cole, you can't keep being with her.
- I don't want her to get mad.
- Who cares? It's visible that you are not happy with this relationship.
- Who said that?
- Your eyes. Find a girl that you like.
- I can't.
- Why?
- She wants me to go home with her next week.
- Please tell me you didn't agree to that.
- I did.
- Why? When you asked her the same thing, she said no.
- I know, but.
The door got opened, and Elina walked in. She needs to learn how to know. This is my dorm, not her house. The girl can't walk in just like that. Also, Ben doesn't like it.
- Cole, can we talk?
- Now?
- Yes.
- I will go out. Play your cards well. - Ben said and left
- I'm listening to you.
- Look, I'm sorry. I'm a bit nervous to go home.
- Why? Is it because of me?
- No, it's because of my sister.
- Your sister? You never told me you had one.
- Because we don't understand each other that well. We always argue.
- Can I know why?
- I don't know. Zoe doesn't like me. Sometimes, she can be mean. She snaps out easily. Also, she gets mad. I don't want to be around her when she is in that state.
- Maybe she has problems. Have you tried to talk with her?
- Yes, but she stopped responding. I think she might have blocked me. I haven't heard from her for a long time.
- Why don't you talk with your parents? They might tell you how she is.
- She doesn't talk with them either. All she cares about is gossiping with her friends. I have heard many things about me while I was still at home.
- I'm sorry. I didn't know that.
- It's better if you stay away from her while we are at home.
- Don't worry. She can't do anything to me.
- I won't be so sure. It's hard to understand her.
- Hey, everything will be fine. I don't think she will do something in front of me.
- I hope so.
- Do you want a hug?
- Yes.
- Here you go. - I said and hugged her
- Thanks.
Elina stayed with me for a while. A sister? She has a sister. I don't know why she never told me. I have never met the girl, but I don't think she will be that bad. Well, it's better if I don't judge people so fast. I never know what might happen. Still, something seems wrong. Why would she hide this from me? It's not a crime to have siblings. I will find out the truth when I go home with her.
The rest of the afternoon I spent in my dorm. Then I went outside with Ben. First, we went to watch the movie. Annie was already waiting for us. Hopefully, things between them will work out.
- I hope we are not late. - Ben said
- No, no. I came around ten minutes ago. Everything is fine. - Annie said
- If you want, we can go in. Drinks and food are on me.
- Thanks.
- Does this include me? - I asked, chuckling
- I think you know the answer.
- Sadly, I do. Let's go in.
- I will go for drinks and food. - Ben said and left
- Cole, are you ok?
- Yes, I'm fine. Why?
- Because it looks like something is bothering you. It's not me. Right?
- No, no. It has nothing to do with you. I have other things in my head.
- Here you go, milady. - Ben said
- Thanks.
The movie was two hours long. It wasn't that bad. Well, I didn't pay much attention. I need to stop thinking about Elina. The thing is that I can't believe what she said. She can have a sister. I don't think she is as Elina described her. When the movie finished, we went for dinner. I wanted to leave them alone, but Annie said I should stay. Hopefully, she is not hitting on me. I think Ben likes her, so I don't want to be in the middle of that. We ordered food, and it came after half an hour.
- I could've been at my dorm.
- The only reason why I invited you was to make you feel better. Also, Ben told me he is your only good friend.
- I'm sorry, man. I got carried away.
- It's ok.
- Won't you tell me what is going on? I see that you are not in the mood.
- It's a long story.
- Elina?
- Yes. I don't understand her.
- What did she do this time?
- Nothing. She came to apologize.
- She never does this.
- There is something that I don't understand.
- No offense, but why are you dating her? - Annie asked
- I don't know.
- What did she say? - Ben asked
- Elina told me that she had a sister, Zoe. I can believe that.
- Why did she never tell you?
- She said that they don't understand each other well. According to Elina, Zoe is mean. Also, she gets mad and snaps out easily. She hasn't called for a long time. Another thing she told me is her sister is gossiping about her with her friends.
- Don't tell me that you believe this.
- No, I don't.
- I think your girlfriend described herself perfectly.
- I don't understand why she would say this about her sister. The girl can't be that bad.
- Maybe she is scared of her. - Annie said
- What do you mean? - I asked
- Zoe might be too good. I mean, the opposite of Elina. Imagine having a sister who is a good student, makes friends easily, and everyone likes her. Your girlfriend might be afraid that her sister will take her friends.
- Her friends are like her copy. There is no way that they will leave her. - Ben said
- There is a way. - I said
- How?
- Elina thinks she is popular here. If her sister is here, she will feel replaced.
- You think?
- It's possible. I believed the story about having a sister, but not the description. Don't tell her.
- Relax. I don't want to talk with her.
- Thanks. I don't know what to do.
- The only way to find the truth is to talk with Zoe.
- Well, Elina invited me to go home with her. I will have the chance.
- I smell a plan.
- You smell wrong. - I said, and Annie laughed
- Your plan is good. If it turns out that Elina has lied to you, I don't think you should date her. - Annie said
- I agree with her. You know my opinion about this.
- I do. We better stop talking about that. I need to clear my mind.
- Well, I have an idea. - Annie said
- Which is?
- I won't deny having two bodyguards who will send me home.
- Deal. - Ben and I said
The night was good. Luckily, I didn't feel like a third wheel. No offense, but I didn't want to be between them. At least that didn't happen. Everything was good while it lasted. Soon, I will travel with Elina to her home. I want to know if what she said was true. I don't understand why she said something like this about her sister. Even if they have problems, I don't think they should argue. Well, I don't have siblings. I should talk with Zoe. I have the feeling she doesn't know about this. Maybe I am wrong, but there is one way to find out. I hope that things won't get complicated.